Fearless Friday

It's another day of Fearless Friday where we gather together to pray for our needs and the needs of others. For this week, I'd like to share to you this inspiring story my friend sent me through email. The reason why I wanted to include this was because I wanted us to be reminded that we serve a miracle working God. Nothing is impossible with Him.

The Crocheted Tablecloth

The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to re-open a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve.

They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc.; and on December 18 they were ahead of schedule and just about finished.

On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.

On the December 21, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.

The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home. On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.

By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus... She missed it.... The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.

She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.

Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet... 'Pastor,' she asked, 'where did you get that tablecloth?' The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, 'EBG' were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria. The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.

The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth, but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a house cleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.

The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.

He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.

The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.

He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.

True story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid

Who says God does not work in mysterious ways?


PRAISE REPORT:

1. My friend's grandson whom I requested for prayer last June 5. He is very much okay now. The surgery was a success. Praise God!
2. My friend Alan whom I requested for prayer last April 24. He's now got a job. Praise God! Alan and his wife are expecting a baby girl!
3. My friend Lanie, also from last April 24, has now a job. She was rehired by her former employer. Praise God!
   

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR:

1. Financial provision for Angie and her family and all others who are in need financially.
   
2. Healing for those with Diabetes.
3. Salvation of our loved ones --- parents, siblings, in-laws, etc.
4. All prodigals around the world to turn their backs from their sins and go back to God.
5. My heart's desire.

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

I Prayed... God Answered

Often times Valerie wondered what her life will become and what her future holds. Have you ever asked that question? Valerie did last Friday... again. For the nth time she asked God for direction. She asked God what He'd like her to do. She asked Him for wisdom. She asked Him for His will for her life and her marriage. She held that prayer in her heart. And for the nth time God didn't fail to answer.

The past few weeks Valerie was already contemplating of having her marriage annulled. Yes, they have problems. She felt like her time was being wasted and it's time to finally give up the fight. She was tired of waiting, tired of standing in the gap for her husband and her marriage. She wanted to be set free from all these craziness. She prayed. Then last Saturday during her class, their Pastor suddenly said these words -

"To all who are married, stay married."

Valerie was stunned. For a few seconds she felt numb. She was trying to collect her thoughts. Then the Pastor continued -

"Don't give up on whatever you're doing."

Alright. Valerie's thoughts were, "Our pastor just said a few simple words and I didn't need a dictionary to figure out what those words meant. How come I felt like those words filled up the entirety of my brain?"

So Valerie went on with her day carrying those thoughts tepidly. She even attended her classmate's thanksgiving party that afternoon. During the evening service, while she was listening to their Pastor speak, he said these words -

"Our God is a God of second chances."

That struck her again. Then the Pastor continued -

"Our God is a God of restoration."

Hmm... Later that night when Valerie was getting ready for bed, those words she heard from her Pastor kept repeating in her ears. She realized those were God's answers to her questions.

The LORD Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand." Isaiah 14:24

... Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you." Numbers 11:23

The Purpose

Valerie prayed to God. "Lord, give me direction. Reveal to me your will for my life and my marriage."

Six months ago, Valerie was advised to go see Attorney Collins Nader for legal advice regarding her marriage. She was kind of hesitant, but still took the advice and went on a Sunday morning service to meet Nader. Nader was a Sunday worshiper. Everyone knows when and where to find this husky looking man who's on fire for God. After the morning service Valerie looked and asked for Nader, but he wasn't around. "Hmm... I guess it wasn't meant to be," Valerie thought.

Last Thursday, during the prayer meeting at her local church, Pastor Joseph Fanning asked the congregation if anyone needed to make an important decision and wanted to seek God for guidance to raise their hands. Valerie, with her head bowed down, raised her right hand in desperation to seek God's will for her marriage. She was torn between holding on and letting go of her precious, God ordained marriage. Pastor Fanning instructed everyone to find a prayer partner. Valerie looked on her right, then on her left, then at her back. Everyone found a partner except her. She thought to herself, "Well, it doesn't matter if I don't have a partner. I can pray on my own."

A tall, middle aged man with a shaven head approached Valerie and asked her what she wanted to pray about. She was somehow relieved to have finally found a prayer partner. While showing the man a glimpse of her life and what was weighing her down, tears were running down her cheeks. The man prayed for her with such authority she can almost feel the power of the Holy Spirit piercing through her confused heart. After praying the man extended his hand to Valerie, "By the way, my name is Collins."

Valerie was flabbergasted. Her heart raced a hundred and fifty miles per hour. Words couldn't find their way out of her lips.

"Attorney C-Collins?" Valerie's voice was shaking.

"Yes." Nader shook Valerie's hand.

"I-I was suppose to see you six months ago."

"Really?"

"Yes. B-But... Uh, can we talk after the prayer meeting? I mean if that's okay."

"Sure. There's a coffee shop downstairs, we can go there and talk."

"Great. Thanks."

At the coffee shop, Valerie and Nader confabulated. Valerie opened up her heart to the man of God whom she believed was sent by God Himself for a specific instruction she needed to hear.

"Attorney Collins, I don't know the purpose of this God appointed meeting. Honestly, I'm confused. Am I suppose to hear some legal advice from you? "

"I don't know either, but let me tell you my story..." Nader got the floor as Valerie was all ears.

"I wasn't always like this. My wife prayed for me and didn't give up on me while I was having an affair with my wife's best friend which lasted for twelve long years. My wife prayed for me for 14 years. Many times I wanted to serve the Lord, but couldn't turn my back on my girlfriend. I would say sorry to my wife and then go back to my girlfriend again and again. I could just imagine the pain I've caused my wife all those years." Valerie was listening diligently but at the back of her mind she was still wondering about the purpose. "Lord, what is your purpose for this meeting? Please help me understand."

Nader continued, "A pastor once told me that God will use me mightily to help couples with hurting marriages. God will use my testimony to bring light to couples who are contemplating on ending their marriage." Suddenly, Valerie's eyes were widened. Everything was making sense to her now. All of a sudden she can now see through the purpose of that fateful chance meeting.

"Attorney Nader," Valerie interrupted. "I think I know why we've met."

With a wide grin on her face, Valerie was ecstatic to have gotten her answer. Her heart was leaping for joy.

Nader gave Valerie a big smile. He laid hands on Valerie and prayed for her and her husband.

Valerie sought God and God met her where she was, right at her point of need.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7-11

Random Thoughts

Happy New Year!!!

I read my email real fast last December 31 just before midnight. I saw a message from Nise' and it says I won a book by Sharon Dunn, Death of a Garage Sale Newbie on her book giveaway. Yey!!! Thank you, Nise'. I'm really excited to read this next.

I'm currently reading This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peritti. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the unseen world of spiritual warfare and the power of prayer.

Yeah, I'm into books again.

Anyway, I want to share with you a story I heard shared by Joyce Meyer that tells about what most Christians go through in life. It was like this story was written for me. I'm sure you can also relate. Very inspiring. Here goes:

The Tea Cup

There was a couple who took a trip to England to shop in a beautiful antique store to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially teacups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked “May we see that? We’ve never seen a cup quite so beautiful.” As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke, “You don’t understand. I have not always been a teacup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, “Don’t do that.” “I don’t like it!” “Let me alone,” but he only smiled, and gently said; “Not yet!”

Then. WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! I’m getting so dizzy!

“I’m going to be sick” I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, quietly; ‘Not yet.’

He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. “Help! Get me out of here!”

I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, ‘Not yet’.

When I thought I couldn’t bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! “Ah, this is much better,” I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. ‘Oh, please, Stop it, Stop, I cried.

He only shook his head and said. ‘Not yet!’.

Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering “What’s he going to do to me next?”

An hour later he handed me a mirror and said ‘Look at yourself.’ And I did. I said, “That’s not me; that couldn’t be me. It’s beautiful. I’m beautiful!”

Quietly he spoke: “I want you to remember, then,’ he said, ‘I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you’d have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn’t put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn’t done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn’t put you back in that second oven, you wouldn’t have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.”

The moral of this story is this: God knows what He’s doing in each of us. He is the potter and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will.

So when life seems hard and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to “stink”, try this … Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think about this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter!

Lastly, don't forget to drop by Praise and Coffee for its monthly giveaways. Check it out!

A Poem For Me...

A dear friend of mine, Yvette, made a poem especially for me. Thanks, Yvette!

Wipe away the tears in your eyes,
There is hope in the deep blue skies.
The eyes of God are here to see,
To lead your life in victory.

You cry, O God, I submit to you,
Everything that I must do.
In pain Your mercy for me abounds,
Your love is great as I have found.

Yes, wipe away those many tears,
God is in control of our living years.
His promises holds forevermore,
A road that leads to an open door.

She wrote me this poem and sent it to me last Saturday. We were together the night I walked out of our Christmas party. I was so sad...

The Wooden Bowl

I was meaning to post this but kept on putting it off until now. I first read this story last Monday, November 5 in David Jeremiah's Turning Point. Then I saw it again. It broke my heart and had tears welling up my eyes as I read on.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about father,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.” So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work .

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Our parents were once like us. And time will come when we will be their age too. Think about it, would you have the heart to do the same to your own parents? Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.

People will forget what you said ... People will forget what you did ... But people will never forget how you made them feel.

********************

Please don't forget to join us on our 2007 Christmas Ornament Exchange.

Whatever Your Cross

I got this in my mail and wanted to share this to all of you. There's a reason behind every burden.

(Please click on the picture to enlarge it)

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain
There will always be sunshine after the rain.
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall,
But God is always ready to answer your call.

He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
A word from His lips can calm every fear.
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish in dawn's early light.

The Savior is waiting somewhere above,
To give you His grace and send you His love.
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
"God always sends rainbows ... after the rain ... "

The Fern & The Bamboo

Do you feel tired of living and you simply want to give up? Is the urge too strong for you to quit? Here's a short story that I got in my mail this morning. I hope this will give you encouragement to hang in there.


One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me. "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. The same in year four.

Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive."

"I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

"Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high."

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will never give up on you. Never regret a day in your life.


Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life.

The Little Grass Hut

I know I said that I might not be posting for this month anymore but I want to share this important lesson with y'all.

The past few days have been really difficult for me. I've been in pain through out the day and I can't take pain killers for it because it could complicate with my other health condition and I have rashes all over my body including my face. I went to my doctor for check up last Tuesday and she gave me a new list of lab tests (I'm getting tired of this) to be done which includes one that has to be sent to the states because we don't have the facilities to perform it here. Just imagine how much that'll cost us... that's around $400. The medication that I have to undergo which is called IVIg would cost us around $1,300 per session. My doctor said that I have to have the infusion for three consecutive months (so that's a total of three sessions). Plus I have to take steroids and of course my Clexane/Heparin shots daily. No, we don't have the insurance to pay for all of that, we don't have that kind of insurance here unfortunately. Because of the excruciating pain that I'm going through and all these treatments, not to mention the monetary cost of it all, I felt more like death is such a welcome breeze. I told God that I'd appreciate it if He'll just take my life and spare me the pain. I couldn't stand seeing my husband suffer along with me. I kept asking God to please take my life now. I was waiting for God to strike me with lightning or maybe a heart attack or something that'll stop me from breathing, but none of those... I'm still alive.

I guess it's not God's will for me to die yet. Maybe He wants me to do a lot more with my life. Maybe He wants me to help others who are also suffering. Maybe...

The Little Grass Hut

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,
uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for GOD to rescue him and everyday he
scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he
eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself
from the elements and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames with smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened! Everything was lost! He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. "GOD, how could you do this to me?" he cried.

Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

Moral of the story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain, and suffering. Remember that, the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of GOD.

Dart Test

I got this email from a very dear friend of mine and I thought I'd share it to y'all. I felt a slight pinch in the heart after reading this. I wonder if you will too. Here goes...
A young lady named Sally relates an experience she had in a seminary class given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.

One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.

Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced. Dr. Smith said only these words...

"In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Matthew 25:40

No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.
This is an easy test; you either score 100 or zero. It's your choice.

A Glass Of Milk

I got this in my email and I thought I'd share it to y'all. It's too good to just be kept in my mailbox. I hope this will inspire us to do good to others. Who knows, a simple good deed can benefit us a lot more in the future. God sees. God knows. God remembers. So here it is:

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked,

"How much do I owe you?"

"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness."

He said... "Then I thank you from my heart."

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was stronger too. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill.

She read these words... "Paid in full with one glass of milk" (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed "Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."

Footprints In The Sand

I don't even know how to begin to tell y'all how grateful Jec and I are for all the heart warming support and prayers we got here during our most trying times. We've all prayed hard but I guess God has other plans for us. I felt so bad and didn't know how to break the news to all of you. You've all prayed in faith and I felt like by telling you the bad news I will somehow turn you all down. KC told me during our phone conversation that it was God who decided that it was not yet time and that it wasn't my fault. Most of all, Jec and I felt so lost and didn't know what to do next. I cried to God for help and told Him to please hold us together because we couldn't take it anymore. I cried myself to sleep asking God for direction. When Jec was telling me about all your support, he was in tears. I got to read all your comments and prayers just now. He said, "Babe, don't worry. God will take care of us. He will make a way. We have all the love and support of your blogger friends and I was surprised by how much they truly care." I told him that you're more than just blogger friends, you're family.

I once posted here that my word for 2006 is FAVOR. God has indeed showed me favor in so many ways that I hardly noticed. We've gone through so much already and here we are, still together. We've lost two of our precious ones in the past years and dealt with rejection here and there but here we are, still together. Friends from different parts of the world are offering us whatever help they could give. My neighbor told me this morning, "Pia, look how God shows you favor. He loves you." And I realized, yes, she's right!

As I type this post, tears are falling but I have a smile on my face knowing that we're not alone in this trial. God gave us all of you for support and love. I know that this is not the last trial we're going to face but I know that there will only be one set of footprints in the sand.

Thank you for the love and support you showed me and Jec all this time. From the bottom of our hearts, we love you deeply. God bless y'all.

**********

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied: "My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

The Power In Jesus' Name

I copied this from a list of inspirational stories I was reading this afternoon. Miracles still do happen.

"A friend of mine was driving through an intersection one day and his little four year old son was in the car with him. The car door flew open and the little boy rolled out of the vehicle right in the middle of traffic coming from four ways.

The last thing my friend saw was a set of car wheels just about on top of his son moving at a very fast rate of speed. All he knew to do was cry, "JESUS!"

As soon as he could bring his car to a halt, he jumped out and ran to his son, who was perfectly all right. But the man driving the car that had almost hit the child was absolutely hysterical. My friend went over to him and started trying to comfort him. "Man, don't be upset!" he said. "My son is all right. He's okay. Don't be concerned about it. Just thank God that you were able to stop!" "You don't understand!" the man responded. "I never touched my brakes!"

What Makes A Mother

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share a hug or two. Please feel free to give some more hugs whenever you feel like sharing more. It'll be very much appreciated.

I got an email from my friend who just had her D & C. Yeah, I know that's so sad. It brought back painful memories, but I don't mind sharing my story to anyone who went through the same dilemma my hubby and I did. If it could lighten their load a bit, I'm glad to have helped. She emailed me this poem and I'd like to share it to all of you.

I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today
I asked "What makes a Mother?"
And I know I heard Him say.

"A Mother has a baby"
This we know is true.
"But, God, can you be a Mother,
When your baby's not with you?"

"Yes, you can," He replied With confidence in His voice.
"I give many women babies,
When they leave is not their choice.

Some I send for a lifetime,
And others for the day.
And some I send to feel your womb,
But there's no need to stay."

"I just don't understand this, God,
I want my baby to be here."
He took a deep breath and cleared His throat,
And then I saw the tear.

"I wish I could show you,
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child's smile,
With all the other children and say...

'We go to Earth to learn our lessons,
Of love and life and fear.
My Mommy loved me oh so much,
I got to come straight here.

I feel so lucky to have a Mom,
Who had so much love for me.
I learned my lessons very quickly,
My Mommy set me free.

I miss my Mommy oh so much,
But I visit her every day.
When she goes to sleep,
On her pillow's where I lay.

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,
And whisper in her ear.
'Mommy don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I'm here.'

"So you see my dear sweet ones,
your children are okay.
Your babies are born here in My home,
And this is where they'll stay.

They'll wait for you with Me,
Until your lesson's through.
And on the day that you come home
they'll be at the gates for you.

So now you see what makes a Mother,
It's the feeling in your heart
it's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.

Though some on earth may not realize,
you are a Mother until their time is done.
They'll be up here with Me one day
and know that you are the best one!"
(by Jennifer Wasik)

You Ask Why I Follow Jesus?

You ask why I follow this Jesus?

Why I love Him the way I do?

When the world's turn away from His teaching

And the people who serve Him are few.

It's not the rewards I'm after

Or gifts that I hope to receive

It's the Presence that calls for commitment

It's the Spirit I trust and believe.

The Lord doesn't shelter His faithful

Or spare them all suffering and pain,

Like everyone else I have burdens,

And walk through my share of rain.

Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose,

And that joy only Christians have known,

I never know what comes tomorrow,

But I do know I'm never alone.

It's the love always there when you need it;

It's the words that redeem and inspire,

It's the longing to ever be with Him

That burns in my heart like a fire.

So you ask why I love my Lord Jesus?

Well, friend, that's so easy to see,

But the one thing that fills me with wonder is

Why Jesus loves someone like me.

(From postive thoughts.com)

******

From the song Above All... (chorus)

Crucified

Laid behind the stone

You lived to die

Rejected and alone

Like a rose

Trampled on the ground

You took the fall

And thought of me

Above all

God Knows

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless effort...
God knows how hard you've tried.

When you’ve cried so long and your heart is in anguish...
God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...
God is waiting with you.

When you’re lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call...
God is by your side.

When you think you’ve tried everything and don’t know where to turn...
God has a solution.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated...
God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and out find traces of hope...
God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for...
God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...
God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing...
GOD KNOWS

The Real Meaning Of Peace

There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures. But there were only two he really liked, and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.

But when the king looked closely, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest - in perfect peace.

Which picture do you think won the prize? The king chose the second picture. Do you know why?

"Because," explained the king, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Faith

In all of your circumstances,
Look for God’s blessing.
Look for His joy
And His love everlasting.

Seek out God’s goodness
In a world of tears and sorrow.
Seek out His hope
In the dawn of tomorrow.

Let His peace fill your heart,
Let His hand and word guide you.
Know that you are never alone
For He always walks beside you.

Let His love be your strength,
His trustworthiness your shield.
Be courageous as He goes before you,
His victory to yield.

Walk forward in faith,
Let the Lord work His ways.
His unfailing love is with you
For all of your days.

Missing You

You're in my mind but out of sight
You fill my thoughts day and night;
I know you're doing the right thing
A brighter future this will bring.

As these days go on by
You will see time will fly,
soon enough we'll be together
And life will be much better.

I miss you, Babe

Life's Lesson

I have to keep myself occupied to put my thoughts and emotions at rest, even for just a while. To start off, I was offered a consultancy job for a newly established phonecard company that caters to PhilAms. That would be a great way to keep me busy aside from doing my regular job. And of course, I blog hop as often as I can and post new entries too.

I found this interesting article Corry wrote on the comment page of Mary Rose's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" entry. It's about one brilliant way the mother showed her daughter the kind of person she can choose to become as she is faced with life's unending trials. Three pots. Carrots, Eggs and Coffee beans. All three were put to boil. Each reacted differently.

When adversity knocks on our door, how do we respond?

Are we like the carrots that seem strong, but with pain and adversity, do we wilt and become soft and lose our strength?

Or are we like the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did we have a fluid spirit, but after a trial, have we become hardened and stiff? Does our shell look the same, but on the inside are we bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or are we like the coffee bean that actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If we are like the bean, when things are at their worst, we get better and change the situation around us.

This article made me do a lot of thinking. Something to ponder and learn from.

And finally, the most noteworthy of all was the fact that the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; that you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

How do we handle adversity? Are we like the carrots, the eggs or the coffee beans?

Don't tell GOD how big your storm is. Tell the storm how big your GOD is.

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9